A BEE keeping group for South Gloucestershire is buzzing after being donated 20 sets of protective clothing for adults and children.

The South Gloucestershire Bee Keepers Association (SGBKA), which runs its branch apiary in Stone, has been given the kit through funding from the Magnox Socio Economic scheme and Stroud District Council.

The apiary has 13 colonies of honey bees and having additional protective suits will enable visitors to observe and handle the bees as well as learn about their up-keep.

They will also be made aware of some of the additional problems that beekeepers have to contend with.

Richard Dalrymple-Smith who runs the apiary said bee keeping was a fascinating topic he wanted to share with others by providing up close and personal experiences. “We hope that learning about the honey bee will make visitors more aware of the importance of bees in the environment and possibly encourage them to start bee keeping,” he said.

“We would welcome organisations such as schools, scouts, guides or the WI to come along to the apiary.”

Berkeley site director Steve McNally, said: “Magnox is committed to mitigating the impact of decommissioning on the communities in which we operate through socio-economic support.

“We are therefore pleased to support this project that will hopefully have a positive effect on the future of the honey bee. The protective suits will ensure the experience is a safe one.”

For more information about the apiary call 01454 260 278 or email drymple@ukgateway.net